1990 M Street, NW
Swahili Village first opened in the former Honeysuckle space on M Street back in 2019. Change afoot:
“Swahili Village DC is temporarily closed for renovations. We’re cooking up something special and will be back later this spring.
Craving Swahili Village food and vibes right now? Visit Swahili Village Beltsville – the flavor never left.
Stay tuned. Big return loading…”
“Swahili’s Story
The journey of Swahili Village began with founder Kevin Onyona’s vision of bringing the bold and vibrant flavors of East Africa to the American fine dining scene. Now, two decades later, Swahili Village continues to serve as a Gateway to Culture, sharing the rich culinary heritage of East Africa with an ever-growing audience.
Founder, Kevin Onyona is a multi-award-winning executive chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist residing in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. As the founder and owner of the top-rated hospitality group Swahili Village, Kevin, alongside his wife Lynn, built a culinary empire that has grown over the past 20 years to showcase the authenticity of African culture, particularly Kenyan cuisine, to a global audience. The Onyona’s are also the founders of the Kevin and Lynn Onyona Foundation.
What began as a small family venture has evolved into a thriving business spanning multiple locations and earning accolades for its bold and flavorful representation of East African cuisine. Swahili Village restaurants are renowned for offering traditional Kenyan dishes like Nyama Choma, Ugali, Sukuma Wiki, Mokimo, among others, which bring the rich, vibrant tastes of Africa to the U.S. market. Kevin’s goal has always been clear: “African culture is often misinterpreted globally. Given this, we decided to showcase the richness of our heritage—through cuisine, art, and music in each of our locations.”
Kevin Onyona’s entrepreneurial journey reflects not only his passion for sharing the flavors of Africa but also his dedication to philanthropy and cultural exchange. His success has made Swahili Village a symbol of authentic African hospitality in the U.S., a testament to his vision of bridging cultures through food and creating lasting connections across continents. We are about food diplomacy. Our aspiration is to make each person that walks through our doors to feel at home away from home. From humble beginnings to a thriving restaurant brand spanning three states, the Swahili story continues to inspire, showing what’s possible when passion, persistence, and purpose align.”